NEVER has a hockey match meant so much to 2020 Renewables Greenock Hockey Club than this weekend's home fixture against Ayr.

The stage is set for 2pm at the Inverclyde National Sports Centre in Largs for one of the biggest games in recent history for Greenock with themselves, Aberdeen GSFP and Dundee University all fighting for the two promotion places at the top of the Subway National Division 3 table.

The young Greenock team are well aware that even with a win they could finish first, second or third dependent on results, and either see their dreams of promotion dashed or come true.

With such a tight knit top three in contention for promotion, Greenock know that nothing less than a win will do. Furthermore, promotion may be decided on goal difference, and therefore Greenock must strive to score as many goals as possible, while hoping that other results go their way allowing them to return to National Division 2 at the first attempt after last year's heart-wrenching defeat in the relegation playoff.

Looking back on the year, there have been a number of key fixtures that have undoubtedly shaped Greenock's season, with possibly the most important being the recent 3-0 win away to Dundee University.

This was the result that kept Greenock's promotion hopes alive. Anything other than a win would have effectively ended the. The match praised as Greenock's best performance since their famous Scottish Cup Final win over Watsonians at the end of the 2001/2002 season.

On the other hand, the last minute winner conceded against Strathclyde University earlier in the season could be the moment that could ruin Greenock's chances of promotion, as could the last minute equaliser conceded against Erskine Stewarts Melville at the end of February.

With Greenock at home there is a slight advantage, but they must be wary of a very stubborn Ayr side who have finished strongly in fourth position, and who ran the home team right to the end in the reverse fixture earlier in the season.

Despite having such a young team, Greenock boast a strong squad of players, none more so than veteran David Brown who once again this season has put his body on the line to ensure Greenock reach their potential. This season Brown was given an unfamiliar job. Rather than his usual midfield anchoring role, he found himself slotting in at centre back hoping to use his exceptional ability to read the game and anticipate play to his advantage.

This is undoubtedly one of the many success stories of the season, as countless times Brown has made match winning tackles and interceptions, and even contributing the odd goal. However, it is perhaps his ability to inspire the players around him which explains why he is one of, if not the most valued player not only in the men's 1st team, but at the club in general.

At the start of the season Greenock welcomed back experienced goalkeeper Alan Gemmell. They instantly reaped the benefits, going the first six games of the season without conceding a goal with Gemmell in fine form, with his man of the match performance against Perthshire of particular note.

Unfortunately this was not to last as a snapped hamstring led to Gemmell's season being abruptly halted. The injury would end up ruling him out for the rest of the season, leaving Greenock to call upon the untried and untested Scott Jones who will be the last line of defence on Saturday.

Despite a shaky start, Jones has responded with a number of important saves against Aberdeen University and Dundee University, and will seek to keep an important clean sheet at the weekend.

In the centre of midfield, Craig Freshwater, Jamie Terris and this season's top goalscorer Laurie McKelvie have been dominant and tireless. With their ability to create goals, dictate play and deliver some fierce tackles, they have had other teams struggling to keep up.

Young Jamie Terris shifted from centre back to centre midfield this season and has looked as if he has played there his entire career, with his ability to spread the ball seemingly effortlessly around the pitch.

Despite several injuries over the season up front, the Greenock attack has been reliable and dangerous throughout the season with each striker chipping in with around five goals or more.

A mention must go to captain Martyn Connor who missed half the season with a broken wrist, but who has still managed to be near the top of the goal scoring chart.

Young strikers Alexander Cardiff, Jack McNelis and Lewis Cowie have also played supportive roles over the season, learning their trade in order to hopefully be ready to play a more pivotal part next season.

At the opposite end of the pitch the Greenock defence have been solid as ever, showing the opposition that they don't give away goals on the cheap. And after parting with former coach Bain, new coach Harry Dunlop has installed new belief in the team, and finally gotten the best out of the young squad and Greenock will be hoping he helps to inspire them to a win on Saturday.

With Saturday so important, Greenock are looking for a big turnout of fans, friends and family to help support the team in their quest for promotion.

Pushback is at 2pm at Inverclyde National Sports Centre in Largs for those interested in coming along. The club gives special thanks to Texas Instruments and 2020 Renewables for their constant support.